Beachside restaurant to celebrate two-year anniversary on JBPHH

Sam Choy’s Island Seafood Grille located at Hickam Harbor will hold a family fun day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. MWR Marketing photo

Reid Tokeshi

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Sam Choy’s Island Style Seafood Grille opened its doors two years ago on the waterfront of Hickam Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Sam Choy’s will host a family fun day Saturday on the grassy area in front of the restaurant to celebrate the occasion. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities for the kids include jumper castles, face painting and keiki hot dogs. Shaved ice and cotton candy will be available for purchase. For the adults, live music from Push-O-Verse can be heard on the Hapa Deck from 1 to 4 p.m.

Working with Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Morale, Welfare & Recreation, the restaurant has adjusted their service to fill the needs the military community. Donovan Maples, the general manager, said they recognized the unique needs of those patrons working on the base.

He explained that one example was the start of their lunch in a rush buffet that runs Monday through Friday. On alternate days, the restaurant offers a burger bar or taco bar. Fridays is their aloha Friday buffet with a larger selection.

“Because we are on the opposite side of the base from where most people work, this allows food to be ready so people can eat and go in the matter of minutes,” Maples said. “They can still get the great service we offer and good food without the normal wait time of other restaurants.”

The expanded service has also benefited the restaurant. Maples said they have been rewarded with increased patronage from groups holding their functions there.

“We are now the go-to spot for farewell lunches, promotion ceremonies and office gatherings,” Maples said.